The World Schools Summit is an annual gathering of students and teachers who, in schools, devote themselves in detail to the topics of global education and current contemporary world problems. This year’s summit took place June 15, 2023 at DOX Center for Contemporary Art. As in previous years, he was accompanied by a Czech TV presenter Jana Peroutkova.

The summit was subtitled “Crossing Borders”. This relates to the central theme of most of the contributions – namely the theme of migration caused by the war in Ukraine, its impact and the boundaries that refugees and each of us must cross in our efforts to help those displaced. war.

In addition to professional contributions and discussions by Czech and Ukrainian students and teachers, the summit program also included the ceremonial certification of the new World Schools. This academic year, we welcomed 10 new schools to the World Schools network, which met all criteria during the academic year and were authorized to use the World School title. A total of 125 schools from all over the country can use this title.

EXPERT PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION

Lucie Bultová, International Organization for Migration (IOM): The phenomenon of migration

In her contribution, Lucie Bultová from the International Organization for Migration in the Czech Republic (IOM Czechia) explains the global phenomenon of migration, its roots in history and an outlook on current developments. He focuses on migration trends in the Czech Republic, particularly with emphasis on the current situation regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine. He also explained the causes and consequences of migration, its benefits and potential negative impacts both socially and geographically. He explains concepts such as refugees, economic migrants or integration.

Recording of a Joint discussion at school about the experiences of Czech and Ukrainian students and their teachers from Palachova Ústí nad Labem primary school and Smíchovské industrial secondary school as well as Preslova gymnasium

The joint discussion was attended by Czech and Ukrainian students and teachers from ZŠ Palachova Ústí nad Labem and Preslova Smíchovské secondary technical schools and gymnasiums. They discuss the past school year and how they experienced it together at school. How in their introductions they got to know each other and learn what they learned about each other during the school year and how many new friendships and close relationships were formed during that time. What helped them most throughout the year and what moments were tough for everyone?

Student of Prague SSPŠ and Preslova gymnasium they talked about how in this academic year they helped eighteen students from Ukraine who did not enter Czech secondary schools in year zero with adaptation to Czech secondary schools. At the beginning of the school year, they had a camp together where they got to know each other. They talked to their Ukrainian classmates about how they wanted their education to continue at school. The aim is to prepare them for the entrance exam. During the school year, Czech classmates help Ukrainian classmates with Czech, mathematics, and English, as well as adding media creation, information technology, 3D printing, and other specialized subjects to their schedule. At the end of the school year, they hold a graduation certificate presentation.

Ukrainian student Palachova elementary school in Ústí since their arrival in the Czech Republic, they are involved in all activities at school, participating in competitions, excursions, trips. Students are included in regular classes and three Ukrainian teaching assistants work at the school. In schools for Ukrainian students, the teaching of the Czech language is extended.

WORLD SCHOOL CERTIFICATION RECORD

At the 2023 World Schools Summit, 10 new World Schools were ceremonially certified, meeting all requirements and thus authorized to use the World School designation. These are the following schools:

• Elementary schools of cognition
• Faculty of PedF UK Primary School and U Studánky Kindergarten
• Elementary and Kindergarten Dub nad Moravou
• Děčín European Business Academy
• Gymnasium, Lipník nad Bečvou
• AGEL SZŠ and VOŠZ
• Kopřivnice elementary school
• VOŠ, SPŠ and JŠ Kutná Hora
• Radniční Kindergarten in Havířová
• FZŠ Táborská

Watch the recording of the certificate presentation ceremony to school representatives below:

Here you can also see a short video summarizing the activities of the schools working towards the World School brand this year and the topics covered.

FOREWORD AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Opening remarks by the director of People in Need, Šimon Pánek

The Director of People in Need, Šimon Pánek, welcomed the participants of the World Schools Summit 2023 and in his opening speech spoke about why it is important to focus on global topics and interests in today’s world, its situation and global issues in teaching. He also recalled the changes in global politics and balance brought about by the incursion of Russian troops into Ukrainian territory, as well as how the People in Need and Czech society reacted strongly and positively to the arrival of tens of thousands of war refugees. on the territory of the Czech Republic.

Opening remarks by Milan Konrád, head of the Multilateral Department at the Development Cooperation Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic

Milan Konrád, Head of the Multilateral Department of the Development Cooperation Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, in his opening remarks explained why the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has long been dedicated to the topic of development cooperation and global education. , as well as the importance of why support from society and especially the younger generation is needed for these topics.

Opening speech by M. Černý, director of the Department of Primary Education and Youth, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports and Science, on the new World School certification

In his remarks, the Director of the Department of Basic Education and Youth of the Ministry of Education and Culture, Michal Černý, reminded the importance of special school activities in the field of global education, so that we don’t just talk about global today. topics and problems at school, but also carry out specific actions that will inform society about them and contribute to their mitigation.

The event took place under the auspices of the Ministry of Education and Culture of the Czech Republic, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic and the United Nations of the Czech Republic.

The World Schools Summit is financially supported by the Czech Development Agency and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic as part of the Czech Republic’s Overseas Development Cooperation Program.